Enteral nutrition in the treatment of acute pancreatitis

The review presents literature data on enteral nutrition in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. The authors provide pathophysiological substantiations of the need for nutritional support in patients with various forms of acute pancreatitis and basic principles of enteral nutrition in this disease. The results of numerous studies evaluating the outcomes of enteral nutrition are presented. These data indicate advisability of early enteral nutrition in acute pancreatitis because this approach reduces systemic inflammatory response, risk of bacterial translocation and purulent-septic complications, improves treatment outcomes.